Coin mechanism housing



Oct. 4, 1949 R. F. BROUSSARD ET AL. 2,483,805

COIN MECHANISM HOUSING Filed Match 5, 1948 I I5 Sheets-Sheet l inventors: Robertfl'li'rozzs'sard 24 faster D 501161) ezyer Oct. 4, 1949. R. F.- BROUSSARD ET AL C OIN MECHANISM HOUSING 3 Sheets-Sheet 2 Z d5 Wk \WZ O m i E e mi 1 IJRL b g Oct. 4, 1949 F. BROUSSARD ET AL 2,

COIN MECHANISM HOUSING 3 Sheets-Sheet 3 Filed March 5, 1948 QINVENTORS: flobertfifirozzssard 1 LesterD. Soflenberger Patented Oct. 4, 1 949 Y com MECHANISM HOUSING Robert F. Broussard, Houston,

D. Sollenberger, Chicago,

Tex., and Lester 111., assignors, by

direct and mesne assignments, to Duncan Parking Meter Corporation, Chicago, 111., a corporation of Illinois 1 Application Mareh'5, 1948, Serial No. 13,254

23 Claims.

This invention-relates to; a coin mechanism, and has to do more especially with devices of that character adaptediornse with parking meters andthelike. I Y One of the major objects-is to provide a parking meter coin mechanism having an indicator and flag which are visible; from any position within a very wide angle on both, the sidewalk and highway sides of the. -meter, thereby greatly facilitating the job of checking lip on, overtime parkers, while also making it easier for owners of parked cars who are-withinviewing distance to observe the meters and ascertain how much time they havestill availlable before they must eithermove theircars or deposit additional coins. To that end we have-devised a meter-housing which includes a transparent dome-instead of the heretofore conventional flat window panes. Within such a dome the indicatorand flag are encased in a position tojbe viewed. The dome is arranged to be locked in place on the housing, but may easily be removed,.by authorized persons, to enable quick access to the meter mechanism, without, however, giving access tothe coin box. 1: 7

Another object is to .provide a construction which afiords a high-or'der of protection against vandals and,burglars while providing for quick andeasy removal oficoin boxes from parking meters, vending machines, and-the like, thus expediting the periodic collections which must be made. And this is accomplished by disposing a removable coin box. in a compartment depending from the meter housing, or in the standard on which .the meter housing-ismounted, and providing a s'lidable closure forsaid compartment, which losiire effective, upon being moved to open position, to partially eject the coin box so that it can readilybe graspe'dand with drawn by the collector; ,J' A further object is to provide means to facilitate detection and apprehensionof persons employing 'slugs to operate parking meters; while at the sametime circumventing the temptation to vandalism which is.-inherent in the use of a window through which a deposited coin can. be seen 1 V V v I For the purpose of discouraging theuse of slugs, it is the practice in certain instances to install coin-operated mechanism wherein the last-deposited coin is visible through a-window or magnifying lens; and-that practice works out satisfactorily where there iisually is someone about to witness thefts which might otherwise be committed or attempted by breaking the glass. But the practicability of such provisions on parkingmeters is conditioned by the .fact that the windows frequently can be brokenat. night withe outmuch risk of. detection; and although the consequent loss due to -theft .of coins might be trivial, the damage to the machines would, in some localities, be intolerable. We have met that situation by providing a window havinga keyoperated steel shutter, which canbe opened only by a police ofiicer or other authorized person. If the officer on duty has reason to suspect that some particular car owner may be an offender he can open the shutter on the parking meter and make an examination to, determine whether the suspect has deposited a proper coin or slug; and if his suspicion is confirmed, he can then make an arrest or issue a summons with reasonable certainty of a conviction.

Additional objects and features of my inventionwill become evident as the ensuing detailed description progresses.

In the drawings which accompany this specification: i

Fig. 1 is an exploded view, in perspective, of the domed cap and chambered housing for a parking meter or other coin mechanism;-

Fig. 2 is a perspective view of the neck depending from the chambered housing and of the closure sleeve in its lowermost position;

Fig. 3 is a small scale perspective view of the coin mechanism housing in operative position upon its supporting post;

Figs. 4 and 5 are vertical sectional views, mutually at right angles, taken centrally through the housing and cap thereon;

Fig. 6 is a plan view of the housing with the cap removed therefrom;

Fig. 7 isva detail, in sectional perspective taken on line 1-7 of Fig. 5, illustrating the mode of securing the closure sleeve for the coin box compartment;

Fig. 8 is a fragmentary detail, in perspective, illustrating the means whereby the cap is locked in place upon the housing;

Figs. 9 and 10 are fragmentary vertical sections illustrating the key-operated shutter through operation of which it is possible to view the last-deposited coin; r V

Fig. 11 is adetail, in perspective, of the rocker plate which functions topartially eject the coin box when the compartment therefor isopened;

Fig. 12 is a view illustrating how the coin-box is partially ejected by the rocker plate when the closure sleeve is lowered to open the coin box compartment; and

Fig. 13 is a fragmentary detail in perspective showing the rear side oi the coin box in its normal operative position on the rocker plate.

The general external configuration of a parking meter embodying this invention is depicted in the small perspective view, Fig. 3-. 'It includes a housing in theform of a chambered head H adapted to be mounted on a supporting post or standard 12 (shown fragmentarily in Fig. 3) and a removable cap C which forms with the head a weather-tight enclosure for the meter" mechanism M. Within the head the meter mechanism is accommodated in a predetermined position, and a side opening 22 is provided through the head for coins to be passed into a coin entry slot 24 wherebyto op erate the meter mechanism. .The meter 'mecha-' nism may be a self-contained unit in-which vis enclosed the coin-operated timing mechanism, and from which rises a tifne' calibrated dial 28, an indicator finger 38 movable across the dial,

' accommodate thereon and a fiag 32, all in conformitywithwell known;

conventional practice. One of the improved ,ieatures of this invention is the dome cap C which comprises an outset circular base 34 spanned by an arched bridge 36 to define an open framework for protecting an enclosed hemi-spherical transparent window 38, made preferably of atransparent plastic. Fitted within the base 34 in'screw-threaded connection therewith is a retainer ring 48 adapted to engage the base of the window 38 for securing the same in place. The head is threaded externally to engage the cap base 34, and when the cap is fitted in place thereon, as shown in Figs. 4 and 5, a secure and tight connection therebetween is assured. In the final rotative position of the cap upon the head, the bridge 36 is extended parallel to the dial 28 and, preferably, parallel to the street curb where the meter is installed. The dial 28 and the indicator finger 38, as Well as the flag 32, arethen visible and readable through the dome fron any point of observation within a very wide angle, both from the sidewalk and-the road. An; additional feature of the present cap C resides in; the novel provision for locking it against rotation and, consequently, against unauthorized removal. As depicted most clearly in Figs. and 8, a hole 42 is drilled through the housing H adjacent the lower edge of the outset cap base 34, this hole being enlarged externally by a counterbore which cuts an arcuate notch 44 in the edge of the base. The counterbored hole is dimensioned to receive a key-operated lock having a tubular barrel 46, rotatable within a cylinder 41, Which is fixed within the hole 42, and an end flange 48 which fits the counterbore including the arcuate, notch .44.. A tumbler mechanism inside the barrel is actuable by a key 58 to move certain tumblers 52 radially into and out of the barrel and out of and into engagement with the enclosing cylinder 41. henthe tumblers 52'are retracted into the barrel, the entire lock is withdrawable from the cylinder; but when the tumblers are extended outwardly into engagement with the cylinder, they prevent Withdrawal of the lock, and the latter, of course, serves to block rotation of the cap 0 by reason of its interlocking engagement with the notch 44. A cover plate 54 is extended transversely across the cap in the region of its base in overlying relation to the retainer ring 48. This plate is slotted at 53 to straddle the upstanding dial 28, indicator finger 38, and flag 32. It is then free to rest upon the meter mechanism M so as to provide a top closure therefor. The meter mechanism which is accommodated between certain walls 55 defining a seat within the housing chamber is removably held in place therein as by a wedge plate 56 which can be pushed into place and Withdrawn through the-top opening of the head. As by means of astrap 51 which bridges across the top of the opening 22 we prevent insertion of the finger or tool of a person who may be tempted to tamper with the device. b

Depending from the head H isa tubular neck 58 having an axiswise side opening 68 wide enough to admit a coin box B and terminating at its lower end in a sill 62. The lower end of the neck terminates in a socket 64 for interfitting with the up per end of the supporting post I2 to which it is fixedly secured. Exteriorly the neck is finished to a tubular sleeve S which is slidable vertically and also rotatable on the neck to form a closure for the opening 68.

The upper end of the sleeve S normally abuts the bottom end of the housing H and carries an inwardly projecting pin 66 (Fig. '7) which is adapted to engage a notch 68 cut in one of the lateral edges defining the opening 68. When the pin is so engaged with this notch, it retains the sleeve S in its elevated position. The sleeve is free to slide downwardly to fully expose the opening 60 only when the pin 66 has first been disengaged from the notch 68. This can be effected by a slight rotation of the sleeve, provided that it is free to execute such a movement, as will presently be explained.

Registering holes 18 are drilled through the housing H and into the sleeve S to slidably receive the lower end portion of a locking rod 12 which is movable upwardly to disengage the sleeve and thus permit rotation thereof. The hole 10 in the sleeve which is engaged by the rod 12 is located opposite the corresponding hole in the housing H when the pin 66 is seated in the notch 68. Thus the rod 12 is efiective to prevent rotation of the sleeve S whereby to disengage the pin 66 from the notch 68, and, by the same token, is effective to prevent lowering of the sleeve, which is a prerequisite to access to the coin box B within the compartment provided by the tubular neck 58.

The upper end of the locking rod 12 is con-, nected to the distal end of a lever arm 14 forming a part of a lock 16 extending through the wall of the housing and secured thereto, said lock '16 being operable by a key 18 to rotate the lever arm 14 and thus to lift and lower the locking rod 12.

A plate 88, preferably seated within the housing, serves as a floor therefor; it is provided with a discharge opening 82 through which coins dropping from the meter mechanism are free tofall. The discharge opening 82 is located opposite an inlet opening 84 in the top of the coin box B. Thus, coins can pass from the meter mechanism into the coin box, but access to the coin box cannot be gained by removing the cap C and withdrawing the meter mechanism; The operator charged with the duty of servicing the meter mechanisms is thus free of all suspicion in the event of any coinbox pilferage, since in usual practice he would not be provided with a key to the coin box compartment.

The coin box B, as shown; is cylindrical in form. One of the novel features of our invention consists in the provision of means for partially ejecting the coin box from within the tubular neck when the sleeve S is lowered, thereby facilitating its withdrawal and consequently economizing on the time of the collector. To this end the coin box is seated on a displacer which may take the form of an angled rocker plate 86, shown separately in Fig. 11, having a pivotal edge 88 which rests on an annular ledge 98 at the base of the neck 58; this plate is provided with a pair of upstanding stops 92 which serve to position the coin box on the rocker member and to aid in, the operation of ejecting the latter. A lug 94 protruding rearwardly from the coin box is adapted to fit between the stops'82 thereby to position the coin box rotatively sothat its inlet opening 84 will register with the floor opening 82. A stud 96 protruding inwardly of the neck maintains the upper portion of the coin box forwardly toward the opening 68 where it is freeto rest against a lintel 98 thereover. 1 f I The outer edgeof the rocker plate 86 is disposed 'inthe path of the pin 68 and normally is positioned some distance above the sill 62. Hence, when the sleeve-S is lowered, the pin 66 will engage the outer margin of the rocker plate 86 and cause the latter to rotate about its pivotal edge 88, thereby displacing the lower end of the coin box B outwardly to the position in which it is depicted in Fig. '12, wherein it will be seen that the outer portion of the lower edge of th coin box is adapted to be easily grasped for withdrawal from the coin box compartment. After the coin box has been emptied, it is pushed back into its compartment; the rocker member being sufficiently resilient to permit it to be entered'far enough to clear the pin 88 so that the sleeve S 'can be freely raised. I r In'Figs. 9 and 10 there is shown, on an enlarged scale, the key-operated shutter mechanismby-which inspectors and police ofiicers are enabled' to checkup on motorists suspected of using slugs. The meter mechanism M is provided with approved means to retain the last-deposited coin c (Fig. 9) in a position opposite a glazed opening I88 in the head H, behind which is disposed a steel-shutter I82 which normally is closed but is slidable upwardly so as to expose the coin c to view. This shutter is connected by a link I84 to a crank-pin I86 attached to the distal end of a lever arm I88 forming a part of a cylinder look I I8 adapted to be rotated by means of a key II2. Although it would'be'a rather difiicult matter to extract the} coin c after breakingthe window pane; even if no shutterwere provided, thefact is that'the visible coin constitutes a temptation, particularly to youthful vandals, which would lead to alot of damage'beingdone to the parking meters, andthe shutter serves effectively to forestall such vandalism by removing the temptation. Itjwill beapparent that there are many possible modifications and alternative constructions within the purview of our inventive concept and, accordingly, we do not wish to be limited otherwise than asindicated by the terms ofthe appended claims. i We claim: I v j I The combination in a parking meter, of a meter mechanism including visual indicating means, a housing having'a top opening, the meter mechanism being disposed within and removable only through the top thereof, and a cap forming a closure for'the housing top opening and comprising a circular base, a ring screw threaded within the base for rotative movement therein, an: arched bridge spanning the base, and a hemispherical dome of transparent material supported between the base ring and the bridge, the indicating means being visible through the dome. 1 -2. The combination in a parking meter, of a meter mechanism including visual indicating means, an open-top housing, the meter mechanism being mounted within said housing with only its indicating means disposed above thetop thereof, a removable cap for the open top of the housing, the cap providing a closure for the housing and comprising a hemispherical transparent dome throu hwhich the indicating means is visi ble, means'comprismg'cooperating screw threads nism being disposed within the housing with only its indicating means projecting thereabove, a,closure cap for the housing top comprising a transparent hemispherical dome, a circular base on the-cap embracing the dome and threaded to the housing for securing the cap thereto, a ring threaded to the base of the cap to serve as a retainer for the dome, and key-operated means for removably locking the cap base to the housing.

4. vIn combination with a self-contained unitary coin mechanism having indicating means projecting-upwardly therefrom, a housing for the coin mechanism provided with a top opening through which the coin mechanism is movable to and from operative position, the housing walls terminating short of the upwardly projecting indicating means whereby the latter are exposed to view thereabove, means forming a seat wherein the coin mechanism is fixedly heldin a predetermined position within the housing, a dome cap applicable'to the housing to provide a closure for its top opening and enclosing the indicating means above the coin mechanism; the dome cap comprising a circular base, a transparent wall of approximately hemispherical shape affording a'view of the indicating means from substantially all sides and a relatively narrow arched bridge extending from the circular base over the transparent wall to span the dome cap diametrically, means in screw threaded engagement with the cap base and in pressure engagement with the dome for holding the latter against the bridge, cooperating screw means on the cap 108158121116. housing for securing the one to the other, and key-operated locking means engageable with both the cap base and housing to lock the one against rotation relative to the other only when the cap has been turned to a predetermined rotative position whereby to prevent removal of the cap from the housing 5. In combination with a self-contained unitary coin mechanism having indicating means projecting upwardly therefrom, a housing for the coin mechanism provided with a topopening through which the coin mechanism is movable to and from operative position, the housing walls terminating short of the upwardly projecting indicatingmeans whereby the latter are exposed to view'thereabove, means forming a seat wherein the coin mechanism is fixedly held in a predetermined position within the housing, a dome cap applicable to the housing to provide a closure for its top. opening and enclosing the indicating means above the coin mechanism, means for securing thedome fixedly in position in the cap, cooperating screw means on the cap and housing for securing the one to the other, and key-operated locking means engageable with both the cap and housing to lock the one against rotation relative to' the other only whenthe cap has been turned to a predetermined rotative position whereby to prevent removal of the cap from the housing. 7 r

6. The combination in acoin-operated device, of a cylindrical structure defining a compartment and having a lateral opening extending axiswise thereof leading into said compartment, a tubular sleeve encircling the cylindrical structure and slidably and rotatably emovable thereon, the sleeve normally overlying the opening to form a closure therefor and movable longitudinally upon the structure to uncover the opening, a rocker within the compartment, and a coin box receivable within the compartment and resting on the rocker, the sleeve, when moved to uncovering position, being operative to engage and tilt the rocker and thereby partially eject the coin box from the compartment.

7. The combination in a coin-operated device, of a cylindrical structure defining a compartment and having a lengthwise extending lateral opening leading into said compartment, a tubular sleeve fitted around the cylindrical structure and slidably movable therealong between alternate open and closed positions, the sleeve forming a closure for the lateral opening when in one position, a trip means carried by the sleeve near one end thereof and extending into the lateral opening, a rocker disposed within said compartment near the lower end thereof, and a coin box receivable within the compartment to rest upon the rocker, the rocker being engageable by the trip means when the sleeve is moved to a second position to uncover the lateral opening thereby to partially eject said coin box therethrough.

8. The combination in a coin-operated device, of a vertical tubular cylindrical structure the interior of which constitutes a coin box receiving compartment, the cylindrical structure having a lateral opening extending lengthwise thereof and defined by two vertical parallel sides, a cylindrical coin box disposed within the compartment and adapted to be removed therefrom through the opening, a rocker within said compartment and below said coin box and forming a support therefor, a tubular sleeve fitted around the cylindrical structure and slidable thereupon between a closed position and an open position relative to the lateral opening, and a pin carried by the sleeve near the upper end thereof and projecting into said lateral opening, the pin being operative to engage and tilt the rocker in response to movement of the sleeve to open position, the rocker being effective when so tilted to partially eject the lower end of the coin box through the lateral opening.

9. The combination in a coin-operated device, .of a vertical tubular cylindrical structure the interior of which constitutes a coin box receiving compartment, the cylindrical structurehaving a lateral opening extending lengthwise thereof and defined by two vertical parallel sides, a cylindrical coin box disposed within the compartment and adapted to be removed therefrom through the opening, a rocker within the compartment and below the coin box and forming a support therefor, the rocker comprising a V-shaped plate the apex of which serves as a fulcrum about which the rocker is tiltable, a tubular sleeve fitted around the cylindrical structure and slidable thereupon between a closed position and an open position relative to the lateral opening, and a pin carried by the sleeve near its upper end and projecting into the lateralopening, the pin being operative to engage and tilt the rocker in response to movement of the sleeve to open position, the rocker being effective when sotilted to partially eject the lower end .ofthe coin box through the lateral opening.

10; In "combination with a coin mechanism havinga coin discharge chute, a coin box formed ,at its top with. a coin inlet slot adapted, when positioned opposite the discharge chute of the coin mechanism-to receive coins therethrough, a :structure defining a compartment for receiving the coin box and having a lateral opening of sufiicient width for passage of the coin box therethrough, a sleeve carried by the structure and slidableexteriorly thereupon between two positions in one of which the lateral opening is fully .open and in the other of which it is fully closed, ejector means within the compartment and movable therein for engagement with the coin box to shift the same outwardly toward and partly through the lateral opening, and means carried by the sleeve movable therewith and engageable with the ejector means only when the sleeve has slid. close to its fullyopen position relative to the lateral opening whereby to shift the coin box outwardly of the enclosing compartment therefor. a

11. The combination in a parking meter, of a housing having an open-top upper compartment and a lower compartmentimmediately below the upper compartment and separated therefrom by a wall having a coin passageway therethrough, a coin mechanism within the upper compartment, a cover forming a top closure for the upper compartment, the housing having a lateral opening leading into the lower compartment, a coin box within the lower compartment and having a coin inlet ,opening adapted to receive coins passing from the coin mechanism through the coin passageway, a rocker supporting the coin box and operative upon being tilted to partially eject the coin box through the lateral opening, interengaging means on the coin box and rocker for so positioning the coin box relative to the coin passageway above that the coin inlet opening will lie therebelow in register therewith, and a tubular sleeve coaxial with the housing and encircling the lower compartment thereof and normally forming a closurefor the lateral opening, the sleeve being slidable downwardly to uncover the lateral opening and operative upon being moved to its down position to tilt the rocker and thereby partially eject the coin box from the lower compartment.

12. A parking meter in accordance with claim 11 including a pin secured to the sleeve near the upper end thereof and a notch in the housing for engaging the pin to hold the sleeve in its closed position, the pin being releasable from the notch by rotating the sleeve, a rod extending through an opening in the housing and engageable with an opening in the sleeve for locking the sleeve against rotation when the pin is'e'ngaged with the notch, and key-operated means for withdrawing said rod from the sleeve to release the same for rotation.

13. The combination in a coin-operated device, of a vertical-tubular cylindrical structure the interior of which constitutes a coin box receiving compartment, the cylindrical structure having a lateral opening extending lengthwise thereof and defined by two vertical parallel sides, a. cylindrical coin box disposed within the compartment and adapted to be removed therefrom through the opening, a tubular sleeve fitted around the cyline drical structure and slidable axially thereupon between a closed position and an open position relative to the lateral opening, and a pin carried by the sleeve near its upper end and projecting into the lateral opening, the cylindrical structure having a notch near its upper end engageable by the pin when the sleeve is rotated to one position for supporting the sleeve in its closed position, and key-operated locking means for securin the sleeve against rotation from its closed position.

14. In a, coin mechanism, the combination of a structure comprising a tube defining a compartment formed with a lateral opening thereinto, a circumferentlally unbroken sleeve encircling the tube and rotatably movable thereon, the sleeve in one position overlying the opening to form a closure therefor and movable upon the structure to another position wherein the opening is uncovered, a coin box receivable through the opening for accommodation within the compartment to be protected. therein when the sleeve is in a position of closure over the opening, means extended from the sleeve for releasable engagement with the tube when the sleeve is in one rotative position thereupon adapted in such position to be retained in its closure position, a rod movable endwise into and out of engagement with one end of the sleeve adapted in one of its endwise positions to lock the sleeve against rotation from a closure position relative to the compartment opening, and means wholly enclosing the rod providing a guide therefor.

15. A coin mechanism according to claim 14 in which the sleeve is slidable endwise upon the tube and in which means is extended from the sleeve for releasable engagement with the tube, when the sleeve is in one rotative position thereupon, adapted in such position to retain the sleeve in its closure position, and in which the rod, when moved endwise to unlocking position relative to the sleeve, will permit the latter to rotate and then slide freely along the tube.

16. A coin mechanism according to claim 14 in which a key-operated lock is mounted in a fixed part of the structure at a point remote from the sleeve with its key hole exposed exteriorly of the structure, and in which the locking rod is connected to the lock interiorly of the structure to be operated thereby.

17. In a coin mechanism, the combination of a structure defining a cylindrical compartment having a lateral opening thereinto, a tubular sleeve encircling the cylindrical compartment and slidably and rotatably movable thereon, the sleeve in one position overlying the lateral opening to form a closure therefor and movable on the structure to another position wherein the opening is uncovered, a displacer movably disposed within the compartment, and a coin box receivable within the compartment and resting upon the displacer, the sleeve when moved to uncovering position being operative to engage the displacer and thereby shift the coin box outwardly from the compartment.

18. A coin mechanism according to claim 17 in which a pin is extended inwardly from the sleeve near its upper end to occupy space within the lateral opening and in which one side of the structure defining the lateral opening near its top is notched to receive the pin whereby to sustain the sleeve in an upper closure position relative to the opening.

19. A coin mechanism according to claim 17 in which means is provided within the cylindrical compartment for engaging the coin box upon its side which is opposite the lateral opening to normally maintain the upper end portion of the coin box in a forward position toward the opening.

20. A coin mechanism according to claim 17 in which the sleeve is formed with means coacting with other means on the structure for sustaining the sleeve in an upper closure position relative to the lateral opening only when the sleeve is in one rotative position, and in which a locking rod is endwise movable for engagement with one end of the sleeve and adapted in its advanced position to prevent the sleeve from rotating whereby to retain the sleeve in its closure position.

21. A coin mechanism according to claim 17 in which the displacer is in the form of an angled plate and the cylindrical compartment is provided with means adjacent the bottom of the lateral opening for supporting the displacer thereupon, the displacer being adapted to be rocked when engaged by the sleeve to cam the lower end of the coin box outwardly of the compartment.

22. In a coin mechanism having, in combination, a discharge opening, a coin box formed at its top with a coin inlet slot adapted when positioned opposite and below the discharge opening of the coin mechanism to receive coins passing therefrom, a structure defining a compartment for receiving the coin box and having a lateral opening through which the coin box may be passed into and out of the campartment, a sleeve carried by the structure and slidable exteriorly thereupon to either of two positions in one of which the lateral opening is fully open and in the other of which it is fully closed, a displacer movably disposed within the compartment in engagement with the coin box and operable to shift the same outwardly of the compartment, and means carried by the sleeve movable therewith and engageable with the displacer for operation thereof only when the sleeve has slid close to its fully open position whereby to displace the coin box outwardly of the enclosing compartment therefor.

23. A coin mechanism according to claim 22 in which the displacer is in the form of a plate shaped to enter in part within the lateral opening and to be retained thereby in a fixed rotative position, and in which the coin box and displacer are provided with coacting means for guiding and retaining the coin box in a predetermined rotative position wherein its coin inlet slot at the top is positioned opposite and below the discharge opening of the coin mechanism.

ROBERT F. BROUSSARD. LESTER, D. SOLLENBERGER.

REFERENCES CK'EED The following references are of record in the file of this patent:

UNITED STATES PA'I'ENTS Number Name Date 2,227,132 Finch et a1 Dec. 31, 1940 2,267,576 Rhodes Dec. 23, 1941 2,277,916 Klemt Mar. 31, 1942 2,329,926 Michaels Sept. 21, 1943 2,369,717 Compton Feb. 20, 1945 2,430,284 Broussard Nov. 4, 1947 FOREIGN PATENTS Number Country Date 323,179 Great Britain Dec. 16, 1929 

